Flannery O’Connor’s first novel opens with the story’s protagonist, Hazel Motes, taking a train to the town of Taulkinham, Tennessee. Motes is returning home after four years at war, and he has just bought himself a brand new blue suit that still bears the $11.98 price tag. Sitting across from Motes in the train is a large woman, Mrs. Hitchcock; she attempts to make small talk with him but he initially ignores her.

It is revealed that Motes is from Eastrod, Tennessee, but when Mrs. Hitchcock asks him if he is returning home, he replies, “No, I ain’t … [I’m] Going to Taulkinham. Don’t know nobody there, but I’m going to do some things” (6). Mrs. Hitchcock begins rambling on about her family until Motes interrupts her by twice stating that “I reckon you think you been redeemed” (7). Mrs. Hitchcock blushes at this, but the two quickly agree to go to the train’s dining car together.  

The two wait in line to get into the dining car for a long time as the car is completely packed, and they get separated as the line moves forward. After a long wait, Motes is finally seated at a table with three brightly dressed young women.